I am so excited! I discovered an organization that sends free books to inmates.
I am filling out the form right now.
Wednesday, January 29, 2020
Monday, January 27, 2020
Day 52:
I'm at the library. It is cold and raining outside. I am going to the gym afterwards. I just missed Andrew's phone call. I hope he calls back.
Julia sent Taylor and I an updated picture of Baby AJ. He is smiling and so cute and plump! I can't wait for Andrew to see him!
I hope he calls back. Last night he told me he is finally getting into the Dean Koontz book I sent him. The Silent Corner. We had a nice discussion. He should be getting the Michael Vey book this week.
Julia sent Taylor and I an updated picture of Baby AJ. He is smiling and so cute and plump! I can't wait for Andrew to see him!
I hope he calls back. Last night he told me he is finally getting into the Dean Koontz book I sent him. The Silent Corner. We had a nice discussion. He should be getting the Michael Vey book this week.
Day 51: Rest in Peace Kobe and Gigi
I just heard sad news. Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash this morning. My heart is breaking. He was a well loved NBA player. I know my brother adored him. I think Andrew did too. I haven't talked to Andrew yet today, but messaged Julia and Taylor to tell him about Kobe when he calls. I imagine he already knows. The guys in the prison, I am sure were also Kobe Bryant fans.
So sad. Andrew may be in prison, but he is alive and has the rest of his life ahead of him. Kobe was only 41 years old.
I spoke to Andrew after I heard about Kobe. He told me the whole prison is sad. I also learned that everyone else on the helicopter died. Including Kobe's 13 year-old daughter Gianna.
Rest in peace.
So sad. Andrew may be in prison, but he is alive and has the rest of his life ahead of him. Kobe was only 41 years old.
I spoke to Andrew after I heard about Kobe. He told me the whole prison is sad. I also learned that everyone else on the helicopter died. Including Kobe's 13 year-old daughter Gianna.
Rest in peace.
Sunday, January 26, 2020
Day 50: A Visit!
I got a text message from Julia this morning. She said she was going to visit Andrew!
My heart leapt for joy!
Later, she told me that had a wonderful visit. Very casual. They got to hug, kiss and hold hands.
I can't wait for my approval so I can go visit. But I am especially looking forward to hearing about Baby AJ's visit!
Also, we were able to raise $250 for shoes and a tv for Andrew.
Day 50 is a good day!
My heart leapt for joy!
Later, she told me that had a wonderful visit. Very casual. They got to hug, kiss and hold hands.
I can't wait for my approval so I can go visit. But I am especially looking forward to hearing about Baby AJ's visit!
Also, we were able to raise $250 for shoes and a tv for Andrew.
Day 50 is a good day!
Day 49: Depression
Andrew sounded down. I was worried. I sent him a whole bunch of inspirational quotes and bible verses. Later on that evening he called my daughter. He told her that I was being annoying!
So now when we talk, I call myself the AM (Annoying Mom)
He told me later he was just joking.
"But seriously, Mom", he said in a serious voice. "I'm in prison. Am I supposed to be happy?"
LOL It is nice to hear he has a sense of humor!
So now when we talk, I call myself the AM (Annoying Mom)
He told me later he was just joking.
"But seriously, Mom", he said in a serious voice. "I'm in prison. Am I supposed to be happy?"
LOL It is nice to hear he has a sense of humor!
Thursday, January 23, 2020
Day 48
Taylor posted a list of Andrew's needs on Facebook last night. She then asked friends if they could donate.
Quentin said he would like to help, but asked if we could create a gofundme. So I did - during choir practice. Our goal is $450. As of this moment we have raised $250!
Quentin said he would like to help, but asked if we could create a gofundme. So I did - during choir practice. Our goal is $450. As of this moment we have raised $250!
Monday, January 20, 2020
Day 46: Money
Monday, 1/20/2020
We are all so broke right now. Andrew said he will limit his phone calls. I plan in putting $50 into commissary for him on 1/30, my payday from the Community Music Center.
He needs shoes. He will probably have to wait on the t.v.
I would really like to find a better paying church job. But I have not seen any ads for churches hiring. I'll have to stay where I'm at.
I'm helping GMA and GPA clear out their house by selling videos and vcrs. I am still in the planning stages. I have a bin of 70 videos and 3 vcrs so far. I found out I can go to the police station in our neighborhood and make sales in the parking lot. It is called a "safe zone". I'm a little nervous. But Taylor said she and Mike are broke and can't give me $ for Andrew's phone calls right now. We are moving to a bigger apartment at the end of the month.
So much going on. But I am happy Andrew is safe. I hope we can visit soon.
More tomorrow
We are all so broke right now. Andrew said he will limit his phone calls. I plan in putting $50 into commissary for him on 1/30, my payday from the Community Music Center.
He needs shoes. He will probably have to wait on the t.v.
I would really like to find a better paying church job. But I have not seen any ads for churches hiring. I'll have to stay where I'm at.
I'm helping GMA and GPA clear out their house by selling videos and vcrs. I am still in the planning stages. I have a bin of 70 videos and 3 vcrs so far. I found out I can go to the police station in our neighborhood and make sales in the parking lot. It is called a "safe zone". I'm a little nervous. But Taylor said she and Mike are broke and can't give me $ for Andrew's phone calls right now. We are moving to a bigger apartment at the end of the month.
So much going on. But I am happy Andrew is safe. I hope we can visit soon.
More tomorrow
Sunday, January 19, 2020
Day 44: Distracted
Andrew cut our phone call short abruptly last night. He sounded distracted. Then he tried to call again later, but the call didn't go through. I tossed and turned all night, worrying.
I thought perhaps he had a runin with another inmate. But my anxiety was a waste of time, as usual. Thankfully I finally broke down and prayed. He called this afternoon as I was leaving the library. He was just tired, he told me. A d the evening call that got disconnected was right before lights out. We had a nice talk. He told me he needs some items that he can buy with his commissary money. Shoes are at the top of his list.
I thought perhaps he had a runin with another inmate. But my anxiety was a waste of time, as usual. Thankfully I finally broke down and prayed. He called this afternoon as I was leaving the library. He was just tired, he told me. A d the evening call that got disconnected was right before lights out. We had a nice talk. He told me he needs some items that he can buy with his commissary money. Shoes are at the top of his list.
Saturday, January 18, 2020
Day 43
I emailed my visitor's application to the Oregon Department of Corrections today. Andrew called. He sounded tired. He said he works Tuesday-Sat and has Sunday and Monday off.
Thursday, January 16, 2020
Day 41
Andrew called early this morning. His commissary money showed up.
He also told me he starts work this morning. He'll be working in the kitchen washing dishes. Full time. The pay is $36 a month.
"It will make the time go by faster", he said.
I told him he can put it towards commissary. It's spendy!
He also told me he starts work this morning. He'll be working in the kitchen washing dishes. Full time. The pay is $36 a month.
"It will make the time go by faster", he said.
I told him he can put it towards commissary. It's spendy!
Tuesday, January 14, 2020
Day 39: Columbia River Correctional Facility!
GREAT NEWS!
I just got the best Birthday gift. Andrew is being transferred to Columbia River Correctional Facility right this instant. It is here in Portland. We can all visit frequently! It is an answer to prayer. They were considering sending him to eastern Oregon.
Amazingly, I got a text from a pastor I used to work for years ago in Salem. Out of the blue, he wished me a happy birthday and asked about Andrew. He said his congregation had been praying for him.
God is definitely taking care of Andrew!
I just got the best Birthday gift. Andrew is being transferred to Columbia River Correctional Facility right this instant. It is here in Portland. We can all visit frequently! It is an answer to prayer. They were considering sending him to eastern Oregon.
Amazingly, I got a text from a pastor I used to work for years ago in Salem. Out of the blue, he wished me a happy birthday and asked about Andrew. He said his congregation had been praying for him.
God is definitely taking care of Andrew!
Day 38:
Andrew sent me a text message this evening. He said he wanted to wish me Happy Birthday because he might be leaving Coffee Creek tomorrow and may not be able to call.
I had almost forgotten about my birthday. But I am so touched that he remembered. I told him I loved him and if I don't hear from him tomorrow, I know he is ok - just being transported. I also told him I am praying for him. I pray for Andrew every day.
Julia and Laura were supposed to bring Baby AJ over today. Taylor made soup. But AJ had a little fever. I need to hold him soon. I can't wait until Abdrew can receive visitors again and see his AJ
has grown. More tomorrow...
I had almost forgotten about my birthday. But I am so touched that he remembered. I told him I loved him and if I don't hear from him tomorrow, I know he is ok - just being transported. I also told him I am praying for him. I pray for Andrew every day.
Julia and Laura were supposed to bring Baby AJ over today. Taylor made soup. But AJ had a little fever. I need to hold him soon. I can't wait until Abdrew can receive visitors again and see his AJ
has grown. More tomorrow...
Sunday, January 12, 2020
Day 37:
Today is going to be a good day. Andrew called me right when I was walking to church!
I told him that something should be happening this week. He might be transferred to OSP to await a bed at his permanent facility.
Please, God, let it be Columbia River!
Or he might go straight to Columbia River or Deer Ridge.
He sounded good. A little tired. I'm sure he is getting weary of Coffee Creek. He has watched several movies with his cell mate. But he has not read much more of his book. I wish he would. But this is his journey.
More tomorrow...
P.S. They are predicting snow this week. I hope that doesn't affect his transport.
I told him that something should be happening this week. He might be transferred to OSP to await a bed at his permanent facility.
Please, God, let it be Columbia River!
Or he might go straight to Columbia River or Deer Ridge.
He sounded good. A little tired. I'm sure he is getting weary of Coffee Creek. He has watched several movies with his cell mate. But he has not read much more of his book. I wish he would. But this is his journey.
More tomorrow...
P.S. They are predicting snow this week. I hope that doesn't affect his transport.
Saturday, January 11, 2020
Day 36
Another day passed without a conversation with Andrew. He tried to call twice. Once I was teaching. The second time, I was on the bus and didn't hear my phone ring. I messaged him from the gym. He messaged me back about 8 p.m. He said he was going to bed and will call tomorrow. It's now 10:42 p.m. I will go to bed now too!
Friday, January 10, 2020
Day 35:
I have nothing new to report today other than I am missing Andrew. I missed his call this morning when I was babysitting Grace.
More tomorrow.
Wait, I did find out I will be moving with Taylor, Mike and Grace. We will be in the same complex, but a larger apartment - a townhouse.
More tomorrow.
Wait, I did find out I will be moving with Taylor, Mike and Grace. We will be in the same complex, but a larger apartment - a townhouse.
Thursday, January 9, 2020
Day 34: Waiting at OSP and Focusing on Reading
I spoke with Andrew today while I was eating my free birthday lunch at Sweet Tomatoes. He sounded a little sad that I was alone. I told him it was an early lunch - I was using my free birthday coupon, and I liked eating alone!
He is looking forward to getting transferred. He may have to go to OSP (Oregon State Penitentiary in Salem) first to wait for a bed at either Columbia or Deer Ridge.
I am praying he will be sent to Columbia, here in Portland.
He said he is having trouble focusing on the book I sent him. I know it is because he is worried. I told him to breathe deeply and read slowly. I gave him a summary of the plot. I told him he is not used to reading fiction and Dean Koontz is a good storyteller, but sometimes he draws things out.
I then told him to read some more today and call me tonight with a "book report".
I really hope he gets into reading. It will help the time go by and stimulate his brain. I have always wanted my kids to discover the joy of reading.
I am going to reread a bit more of the book too so I can help if he has questions.
More tomorrow....
He is looking forward to getting transferred. He may have to go to OSP (Oregon State Penitentiary in Salem) first to wait for a bed at either Columbia or Deer Ridge.
I am praying he will be sent to Columbia, here in Portland.
He said he is having trouble focusing on the book I sent him. I know it is because he is worried. I told him to breathe deeply and read slowly. I gave him a summary of the plot. I told him he is not used to reading fiction and Dean Koontz is a good storyteller, but sometimes he draws things out.
I then told him to read some more today and call me tonight with a "book report".
I really hope he gets into reading. It will help the time go by and stimulate his brain. I have always wanted my kids to discover the joy of reading.
I am going to reread a bit more of the book too so I can help if he has questions.
More tomorrow....
Wednesday, January 8, 2020
Day 33: The Wheels of Progress
Andrew called today with great news! He was given a packet yesterday to fill out, concerning his goals during his incarceration and for success when he is released. Then he finally met with his intake counselor. She went over his packet with him. She gave him a new release day of 1/26/2021.
And she is recommending Columbia River Penitentiary as her #1 choice for the facility where he serves the remainder of his sentence. However, it is not yet set in stone. #2 choice would be Deer Ridge.
Columbia River is our first choice. It is here in Portland! We could visit often. He could see his baby boy and fiance!
Deer Ridge is in Madras. It is a bit of a drive - about 2 hours. But better than going to Eastern Oregon!
He also has heard that the penitentiaries have baskeball teams. He is sounding very positive.
I know God has His hand in all of this. I trust that Andrew will be safe and be housed in the best place for his growth.
But for now, I am happy to hear that the wheels of progress are moving! Andrew also told me he should be transferred in the next week!
More tomorrow...
And she is recommending Columbia River Penitentiary as her #1 choice for the facility where he serves the remainder of his sentence. However, it is not yet set in stone. #2 choice would be Deer Ridge.
Columbia River is our first choice. It is here in Portland! We could visit often. He could see his baby boy and fiance!
Deer Ridge is in Madras. It is a bit of a drive - about 2 hours. But better than going to Eastern Oregon!
He also has heard that the penitentiaries have baskeball teams. He is sounding very positive.
I know God has His hand in all of this. I trust that Andrew will be safe and be housed in the best place for his growth.
But for now, I am happy to hear that the wheels of progress are moving! Andrew also told me he should be transferred in the next week!
More tomorrow...
Tuesday, January 7, 2020
Day 32: The Book
Good news:
Andrew got the book finally! I was at the gym last night when he called. I was so excited, I downloaded it for my kindle so I can read it again
There are some words height not understand. I am going to ask him if they have dictionaries at Coffee Creek. This will improve his reading comprehension. The plot is so engaging, he should remain interested.
More tomorrow...
Andrew got the book finally! I was at the gym last night when he called. I was so excited, I downloaded it for my kindle so I can read it again
There are some words height not understand. I am going to ask him if they have dictionaries at Coffee Creek. This will improve his reading comprehension. The plot is so engaging, he should remain interested.
More tomorrow...
Monday, January 6, 2020
Day 31: GMA
Andrew called this morning while my mom, his grandma was visiting. They talked on the phone. She got teary eyed but said he sounded good and strong. He did! He knows he is on the home stretch at Coffee Creek, which we have heard is the most difficult part if this process. I checked Amazon. His book was delivered 12/30. Hopefully he'll receive it today!
More tomorrow.
More tomorrow.
Sunday, January 5, 2020
Day 30!
Andrew called this evening. Brooke, Matt, Aurora and Autumn had come over for dinner. I wonder if Andrew felt a little sad knowing we were all here and he was there. He told me he watched "Twilight" with his cellmate
Brooke said she has read some of the Twilight books. He still hasn't gotten his Dean Koontz book.
Things should be happening thus week. I hope so
Andrew sounds restless.
More tomorrow
Brooke said she has read some of the Twilight books. He still hasn't gotten his Dean Koontz book.
Things should be happening thus week. I hope so
Andrew sounds restless.
More tomorrow
Saturday, January 4, 2020
Day 29:
Tomorrow is Day 30!
I cannot wait for next week. Andrew should be meeting with his intake counselor and possibly be eligible to be an orderly.
I have not yet spoken with him today. But every day that goes by brings him closer to freedom.
More later...
I cannot wait for next week. Andrew should be meeting with his intake counselor and possibly be eligible to be an orderly.
I have not yet spoken with him today. But every day that goes by brings him closer to freedom.
More later...
Friday, January 3, 2020
Day 28:
I spoke only briefly with Andrew today. His Dean Koontz book still has not arrived. I am happy he is looking forward to reading this book, but becoming impatient for it's arrival. Andrew will have been in prison for 1 month this Sunday. The intake process is supposed to be 4-6 weeks, so he is on the home stretch now. Hopefully he'll meet with his intake counselor early next week who will determine what facility he will be transferred to. Plus, I really hope he can be an orderly soon. I'd like him to see how patience and good behavior can bring rewards. Baby AJ is working on rolling from his side to.his back
Julia sent the cutest pictures! More tomorrow...
Julia sent the cutest pictures! More tomorrow...
Thursday, January 2, 2020
Wednesday, January 1, 2020
Day 25
Andrew got his third book. He said he is enjoying "The Who Is History of the World", but he is particularly looking forward to the Dean Koontz book. I hope it arrives soon. I gave him a brief intro to get him interested. I may have to check it out from the library again in case he wants to discuss it.
He told me they were having a special meal for New Year's. I can't wait to hear about it.
More tomorrow
He told me they were having a special meal for New Year's. I can't wait to hear about it.
More tomorrow
Day 26: HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Happy New Year!
I haven't spoken to Andrew yet today. He tried to call early in the morning, but I was babysitting Grace and didn't get to the phone in time. He messaged me, "Happy New Year, love you!" I messaged him back "Happy New Year, love you too'"
I am thankful for time going by. But it is a little bittersweet this New Year. Andrew will spend all of 2020 behind bars.
The bright spot is it will one day be behind him. And soon we will be able to visit him!
More tomorrow.
I haven't spoken to Andrew yet today. He tried to call early in the morning, but I was babysitting Grace and didn't get to the phone in time. He messaged me, "Happy New Year, love you!" I messaged him back "Happy New Year, love you too'"
I am thankful for time going by. But it is a little bittersweet this New Year. Andrew will spend all of 2020 behind bars.
The bright spot is it will one day be behind him. And soon we will be able to visit him!
More tomorrow.
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